1945–1969
Beechwood Cemetery
Section 3 Lot 374
Born in Calgary on December 14, 1945, Brian Gavin Alston joined the Royal Canadian Air Force and quickly distinguished himself as a talented pilot. In 1969, at just 23 years old, he was selected for one of the most prestigious roles in Canadian aviation – pilot of the Red Knight, a fixture of the RCAF’s aerobatic display team. The Red Knight thrilled audiences across North America from 1958 to 1969, performing daring maneuvers in its signature bright red aircraft and paving the way for today’s Snowbirds.
On July 13, 1969, during an air show at CFB Moose Jaw, Alston’s Canadair CT-114 Tutor suffered a power failure while attempting to land. His aircraft rolled and crashed, killing him instantly. Investigators later found that a damaged fuel control component caused the malfunction.
Alston was accorded a full military burial at Beechwood Cemetery, where he is remembered as part of Canada’s proud aviation heritage. His story reflects both the skill and sacrifice behind the Red Knight program, a legacy that continues to inspire generations of Canadian pilots.
Sources:
• Veterans Affairs Canada – Canadian Virtual War Memorial
• Canadian Aviation Safety Personnel Information Repository (CASPIR)
• Aviation Safety Network – Accident Record
• Mount Pleasant Group – Brian Gavin Alston
Images: Gravestone - Carol McCormick, Aircraft: Canadian Warplane Museum
